An Introduction to Dogs in Regia's Period

`Can you tell me about authentic dog breeds?' I have been asked this question many times in the last few months. Unfortunately the answer is not short neither is it exact. This is a short introduction with a pick `n' mix of a few of the more important dogs around in the period.

To start with we must look at the early history of dog breeding. The Egyptians were probably the first to initiate selective breeding with a particular look and ability as the end result. This was some two thousand years BC. The most notable of the breeds that survive today - almost untouched - are the Pharaoh Hound and the Ibizan Hound. Both closely related to each other and are often referred to as Baleric Greyhounds.

The Egyptians are also accredited with the creation of the Great Dane, although the pictures on the temples and palaces of Assyrian Kings are probably Mastiff-Hound crosses, that later became known by that name. Later in Greece, Aristotle wrote about dogs. In his texts he gives an important insight into the idea of `breeds'; giving hounds and sheep dogs the same breed name. Certainly in Greece, it would seem that dogs from an area were given a breed name as an expression of quality rather than standardized looks.

The Romans too were fond of dogs (apart from the unfortunate festival in June) and, along with the Phoenicians, helped move many dogs to different countries. The most obvious breed linked with the Romans is the Mastiff - frequently depicted as a war dog complete with spiked collar. A more unusual breed and probably the first terrier breed mentioned is the Maltese; the Roman Governor of Malta is documented as having owned one. A further breed also existing in the area at the time was the Italian Greyhound, which can easily be mistaken for a Whippet (a breed which is not authentic). The Romans were probably one of the first to acquire, out side of their native lands, the Saluki and the Sloughi (a depressed looking Greyhound).

Certainly many of the breeds made it to Britain with the Romans. However, once the invaders left how long they would have survived is debatable. Certainly the more useful would have been kept. Through the intervening years with such a small genetic pool the chance of them remaining unchanged is non-existent. Climate and social status would also have played a part, only the rich would have been able to feed a large Mastiff or keep a thin-skinned Mediterranean hound alive during the winter. Britons of the time did not seem inclined to be as selective about breeding as the Egyptians. When non-native breeds are mentioned it is more a status symbol. These were usually given in pairs as gifts and there seems to be no mention of unusual packs of dogs (e.g.: Pharaoh Hounds). This would seem to indicate that any puppies were crosses with native dogs, resulting in the generic Lurcher (a hound/hound cross or herder/hound cross).

The types of dog used could be split roughly in to groups:

Many of the dogs were dual purpose, being capable of doing more than one job, this is particularly true of the Spitz types. Frequently surviving in a hostile environment they had to adapt to live on little and do much.

Today's breeds that can trace their ancestry back to 'dark age' Britain and Northern Europe are few. Even for some of these the claims are dubious. In this country the Deerhound and Irish wolfhound are the most recognizable of the hounds. The only other dog written about, that is a native breed, is the Corgi. In the Code of Laws written around 900AD a cattle dog is mentioned that fits the description. Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden have more breeds available although these are predominantly of the Spitz type. They include the

Further afield there are many dogs of ancient origin that have not been mentioned such as the Komodor and Puli from Hungary and Russia, thought to be descendents of the Aftschowka of Eastern Europe. These deserve a mention if only for their naturally unique Rastafarian coat. They like many others are unlikely to have made the journey to Britain. Very unusual dogs surely would have deserved a few words in one contemporary text or another.

It is very important to remember that dogs then would not have looked then like they do today. They have been selectively bred for hundreds of years and some breeds almost completely lost during the First and Second World Wars have been recreated again (mostly the bigger breeds). Dogs for Regia's historical period would probably had a distinct mongrel look about them compared to their modern day counterparts. Size would also be different - in the main today's dogs are much larger.

If you want a dog that will fit in with Regia as an `authentic breed' (I use the term extremely loosely) then the local library and Internet are both excellent starting points. Do research your chosen breed; no obviously New World breeds - Labrador, Chesapeake, Chihuahua- , Oriental breeds - Chow Chow, Pug, Akita- , or modern breeds Doberman, Pit Bull, Bull Mastiff, Whippet. Remember, hunting dogs will chase, guarding dogs will want to protect, big dogs need a sizable house and bank balance, some dogs are hard to train, etc. A perfect place to see the breed and talk to breeders is Discover Dogs in London early November. Alternatively phone the Kennel Club on 0870 6066750 they should be able to put you in touch with breed societies. I also have a list of breed advisers published through Dogs Today. Also some dogs are not yet available in this country and some are on the import register and are likely to be expensive or very hard to obtain.

In all honesty, after looking at current photos of the `authentic breeds', a suitable dog is most likely to be found in a local rescue center - that scruffy flea-bitten looking mongrel. The Kennel Club also provide a Dog Rescue Directory complete with all the breed rescues and a few of the general rescues. I have a copy along with a few more that are not listed.

Elisabeth Da'Born